Colchester, Connecticut

BOERegMtgJune92020

Board of Education Meeting 4:00PM

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Board of Education
June 9, 2020 – Regular Meeting
Zoom Meeting

MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Mary Tomasi, Suesen Hickey, Jessica Morozowich, Joanne
Rose, Mitchell Koziol, Student Members Nick Janus, Shannon Hickey.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice Chair Chris McGlynn, Amy Domeika.


ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, Principal Colchester Elementary
School Principal Judy O’Meara, Jack Jackter Intermediate School Principal Elise Butson, Director
of Teaching and Learning Charles Hewes, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
Kathleen Perry, Director of Education Operations Mario Hurtado, Director of Human Resources
Shannon Ramsby, Darren Smith Director of Digital Learning and Innovation, Chief Financial
Officer Maggie Cosgrove.


1. MEETING OPENING
   1.1 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
       Chair Mary Tomasi called this Regular Meeting to order at 4:09 pm with a roll call to
       establish a quorum. With five members present, a quorum was established.

       A live video Pledge of Allegiance was led by students Madeline Hagan (Grade 3 Mrs.
       Bakai’s class) and Liam Hagan (Grade 1 Ms. Roger’s class).

2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO AGENDA
   Chair Tomasi requested moving Item 18 Public Comment before Item 17 Executive
   Session.
   Motion by: J. Morozowich
   to move Item 18 Public Comment before Item 17 Executive Session.
   Second by: S. Hickey.
   Vote:       Unanimous to approve by those present.

3. CELEBRATIONS
   3.1 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
       Valedictorian Matthew Voiland and Salutatorian Arian Spearin were presented to the
       Board members. Principal Peel spoke about the accomplishments of the two students.

   3.2 JJIS Students Advance to National Invention Convention
       The Annual Connecticut Invention Convention Finals is an annual celebration of K-12
       inventors and entrepreneurs from across Connecticut. This year’s events were held
       virtually due to Covid-19. Traditionally held at the University of Connecticut for the past
       21 years, this is the showcase event for Connecticut Invention Convention young
       inventors. The event usually provides a live, in-person opportunity for youth inventors
       and entrepreneurs in grades K-12 to display their critical thinking skills through
       inventing, innovating, and entrepreneurial activities.

        Katherine Belding in Mrs. May’s 5th Grade class invented the Shorty Stepper 2.0, a
        step that is convenient and able to stored out of the way to help in reaching an object.
Board of Education
June 9, 2020 – Regular Meeting
Zoom Meeting

       Charlotte Bunting in Mrs. Bakaj’s 3rd Grade class invented The Upsie Daisy to help her
       dog go up the stairs by pressing a button that turns a special set of stairs into a conveyor v
       belt.

       Abby Belding, Grade 8, invented the EX Exit 3.0 – The Descent, the next version of her
       previous invention to allow an escape window to open with the press of a button. This
       next step allows for a person to be lowered out of a second story window. Abby was
       awarded a patent for her invention and has competed in the International Invention
       Convention.

       The inventors above were selected to advance to the United States Finals to be held
       digitally in Michigan later this month.

   3.3 Retirees Slideshow
       A slide show of the personnel retiring this year was shown with comments from
       principals and others about the retirees and their many years with Colchester schools.

           Central Office:
           Natalie Caverly

           Colchester Elementary School Retirees:
           Suzanne DiCioccio
           Linda Rhodes
           Irene Stanavage

           Jack Jackter Intermediate School Retirees:
           Monica Dostaler
           Lynne McCune

           William J. Johnston Middle School Retiree:
           Maddalena Scrivano

           Bacon Academy retirees:
           Donna Bonin
           Donna DesSureault
           Kelly Cook
           Melissa Malcolm

           Ed Ninteau

4. PUBLIC COMMENT
   No comments received.

5. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
   5.1 Communications
       Several emails were received supporting the budget.

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Board of Education
June 9, 2020 – Regular Meeting
Zoom Meeting
   5.2 2020-2021 Budget Process and Timeline Update
        The proposed budget is a .19% or a $76,000 increase over the current year. This budget
        has been presented to the Board of Finance. The BOF will vote on the Board of Selectmen
        and Board of Education Budgets on June 15, 2020.

   5.3 2019-2020 Budget Update
       The current budget will be discussed at a June 18, 2020, Special Meeting for a review of
       projects, instructional supplies, potential savings, how State recommendations pertain to
       the budget, taking into consideration the bus contract, etc.

6. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR FIRST READING
   6.1 5131.11P and 5131.11R Surveillance on School Property (Students)
   6.2 4128.4P and 4218.4R Surveillance on School Property (Personnel)
       As these are first readings, no action was taken.

7. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
   7.1 Bacon Academy Graduation Plans
       Continuing to receive information from the State, options are limited until July 6.
       The priority is to have all students celebrating together. After July 6 timeframe all grads
       would be in chairs with distancing, they would be able to cross a stage to receive
       diplomas. The First Selectman, Emergency Management Director and Chatham Health
       Department are all in agreement. The goal is to have a personal ceremony and keeping
       with tradition as much as possible. All planning has considered health and safety of all.

   7.2 Technology Integration Specialist Position Description
       Motion by: J. Rose
       to approve the Technology Integration Specialist Position Description as presented.
       Second by: S. Hickey.
       Vote:        Unanimous to approve by those present.

   7.3 Front Entrance Security Personnel Position Description (Revised)
       Wording to be added to include utilizing the computerized background check system for
       Visitors.
       Motion by: S. Hickey
       to approve the revised Front Entrance Security Personnel Position Description
       as amended.
       Second by: J. Morozowich.
       Vote:        Unanimous to approve by those present.

   7.4 M&J Bus Contract Revision
       The contract negotiations are complete, the lawyers are reviewing and drawing up the
       documents.

8. GRANTS/OTHER FINANCIALS
   8.1 Budget Transfer over $5,000 – (None at this time)

9. CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION/ASSESSMENT (None at this time.)

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 Board of Education
 June 9, 2020 – Regular Meeting
 Zoom Meeting

10. CONTINUED DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
    10.1 WJJMS Building Project Update
         M. Hartudo noted the inside sewer system is no longer a problem and the outside
         situation is being resolved. The field is going to be awhile before ready for use.

11. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR SECOND READING
    11.1 6172.6P and 6177.6R Virtual Online Courses
         The Policy Committee reviewed and made proposed changes to 6172.6P and 6172.6R
         Virtual Online Courses.
         Motion by: J. Morozowich
         to approve the revised 6172.6P and 6172.6R Virtual Online Courses as presented.
         Second by: M. Koziol.
         Vote:       Unanimous to approve by those present.

12. CONSENT AGENDA
    12.1 IT Request for Recycling Equipment
    12.2 Approval of May 12, 2020 Minutes
    12.3. Approval of June 2, 2020 Special Meeting Minutes
          Motion by: J. Morozowich
          to approve the Consent Agenda.
          Second by: J. Rose.
          Vote:        Unanimous to approve by those present.

13. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
    13.1 Policy – No report
    13.2. Budget
          Chair J. Morozowich stated the reopening task force is making progress, the new budget
          must be approved to be able to use savings from this year appropriately. Purchase orders
          must be sent in before June 30.
    13.3 Personnel – No report
    13.4 Ad-Hoc Curriculum – No report
    13.5. Ad-Hoc Consolidation – No report

14. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS
    No reports received.

15. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION ITEMS
    15.1 Next Meetings

         Meeting                              Meeting Time Date           Location
         Budget Committee                     9:00AM       June 18, 2020 Virtual
         Board of Education (Special Meeting) 4:00PM       June 18, 2020 Virtual
         Policy Committee                     4:00PM       June 22, 2020 Virtual
         Board of Education                   4:00PM       July 14, 2020 Virtual
         Personnel Committee                  4:00PM       Sept. 14, 2020 Virtual



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 Board of Education
 June 9, 2020 – Regular Meeting
 Zoom Meeting

    15.2 Enrollment Report for June 2020 BOE Meeting for May is 2297 students
    15.3 Regulations (None at this time)
    15.4. Approved Committee Meeting Minutes
    15.5 Monthly Budget Reports
    15.6. Health Insurance Reserve Analysis
    15.7. Budget Transfer Under $5,000 (None at this time)
          Information items only, no action taken.

16. INFORMATION ITEMS: NON-SUBSTANTIVE POLICY CHANGES
    16.1 5000P Concept and Roles in Student Policies
    16.2 5140P Student Welfare
    16.3 5141P Health
    16.4 5143.1P. Student Insurance
         Information items only, no action taken.

18. PUBLIC COMMENTS
    No comments received.

17. EXECUTIVE SESSION
    Motion by: J. Rose
    to go into Executive session to discuss the Superintendent’s evaluation and to invite
    Superintend Burt into the session.
    Second by: S. Hickey.
    Vote:        Unanimous to go into Executive Session. Time: 5:45 pm.

    Chair Tomasi brought the Board members out of Executive Session at 6:36 pm.
    No action was taken.

19. ADJOURNMENT
    Chair Tomasi adjourned this meeting at 6:37 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary




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